Abakaliki, Nigeria – Launching its 2024 Ember months awareness campaign in Ebonyi on Wednesday, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has admonished drivers to drive safely during the period.
The Sector Commander of the FRSC in Ebonyi, Henry Igwe, announced the establishment of a series of activities to promote good road users’ culture during the festive periods (September to December).
Igwe said that under the arrangement, FRSC operatives would go into more robust partnership with the state ministries of works and transport, and the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), among others.
“We would organise town-hall meetings with critical stakeholders to address major challenges, articulate solutions and apportion responsibilities for mitigation.
“We would carry out road safety audits on major roads in Abakaliki and beyond and make recommendations to the state government, among others, where palliative repairs are required.
“We would continuously embark on public education programmes, media advocacy, motor park rallies and early morning exhortations to promote good road use.
“This is to educate motorists and other road users on major risk factors this season, especially on road speed violation, night driving, and driving under the influence of alcohol, among others.”
He noted that the command would maintain continuous highway enforcement presence and rescue patrols during serious road traffic infractions.
“We shall pay special attention to installation of speed limit devices for all commercial buses.
‘We shall deploy alchoholyzers or breathalyzers to test for drunk driving and radar guns to arrest speed violators.”
The State Commissioner for Works, Mr Stanley Mbam, said that the state government was determined to ensure that roads in the state remain safe during the festive period.
“We are using this opportunity to urge motorists to observe safety regulations in order to ensure a safe festive season.
“We also urge the public to observe the road signs mounted at various spots where road maintenance is ongoing.
“We commend the state governor, Francis Nwifuru, for his efforts at enhancing the wellbeing of the people, with road safety being paramount.”
Representatives of the state ministry of transport, Military establishments in the state, among others, expressed their readiness to assist the FRSC in ensuring safety on Ebonyi roads.
